I had to look at a calendar after listening to this album to make sure it’s really 2013. It is, of course, but apparently Trapt doesn’t know this, because they’re still churning out the same tired, uninspired “jock rock” that was already turning stale and moldy at the end of the 20th century. They were fortunate enough to ride the coattails of the nu metal movement long enough to secure a place in history with the utterly overplayed, utterly wretched hit single “Headstrong.” The name of their new album – their fifth?!?!? – is 'Reborn,' but the music comprising this oft-delayed release is as decayed and malodorous as the zombies on “The Walking Dead.”
Trapt’s legacy will most likely be summed up in one word: “Headstrong.” This limp, tepid song is undoubtedly (and unfortunately) still used by many to get pumped up for some event – a football game, perhaps, or a workout in the gym, or maybe just another day at the office. The band no doubt tried to recapture lightning in a bottle with 'Reborn's lead-off single, “Bring It.” They should’ve called the song “Headstrong Redux,” it sounds that similar. This problem is indicative of the entire album: it sounds like every other Trapt album, which means it sounds like a sizable chunk of the corporate rock that’s been crammed down our throats for over a decade now. Every song seems to either be about being a bad ass or the old standby, bad relationships. Indeed, the current single, “Love Hate Relationship,” is indistinguishable from the legions of similarly themed songs spewed out every year by bands like Nonpoint, Three Days Grace, Hinder, et. al. And like most of those songs, this one is about as deep as a sheet of tissue paper.
Song after song of trite lyrics, generic guitar riffs, and tough guy posturing just wears the listener down. For every semi-bright spot like “Livewire (Light Me Up)”, you have to endure offal like “Strength in Numbers” and “Too Close” and “You’re No Angel.” If you want to listen to music that’ll really pump you up, put on “Payback” by Slayer or “Mouth for War” by Pantera. Trapt, by comparison, almost put me in a coma.
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